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Slowly They Turn: Houston Dynamo Get First Road Point

By Chuck Wharton

May 12, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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FC Dallas plays the 4-4-2 double diamond well enough at home. Yet with the Houston Dynamo pounding their offensive-minded 4-4-3 against Dallas, the visitors got their first road point 13 games into the season. They drew.

Great at Home, But…

The Houston Dynamo remain unbeatable at home. They return this week to host another struggling road team, Real Salt Lake, 10th place in the West. This visitor will counter with the Dynamo’s own 4-3-3 formation.

If the team keeps up the midfield pressure, they can depend on three points at home this Wednesday. Keep up that momentum, Houston could erupt Sunday when they travel to play Seattle Sounders FC.

The draw gets the Dynamo to second place in the West.

"Dynamo Team Release: The Dynamo have scored an MLS-high 19 goals at home but have only mustered three in their six road games. The team has a great opportunity to gain three points in an environment where they are undefeated before having to take on the toll of a trip to the West Coast to play in one of the league’s most hostile environments."

Next Road Battle

Seattle Sounders FC uses a 4-4-2 double diamond formation a bit more effectively at home than the Dynamo faced last week. Yet Seattle rests at 8th place in the West.

Against FC Dallas, the Dynamo survived a powerful midfield attack, with the home team posting passing accuracy of 77%-64%. The Dynamo answered the attack with 28 clearances to FC Dallas 16. Head Coach Wilmar Cabrera gave G Tyler Deric some credit, saying he “liked the way he performed.”

After taking care of business at home Wednesday, they need to refine plans to keep up the road progress.

May 27, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan (7) and defender Gustav Svensson (4) celebrate following a goal by Roldan against the Portland Timbers during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan (7) and defender Gustav Svensson (4) celebrate following a goal by Roldan against the Portland Timbers during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Containment Plan for The Road

The Dynamo’s home field battle plan will win them the Wednesday game. The road plan they used against FC Dallas could get them one point against the similar look the Seattle Sounders FC will give them.

For all three points, the Dynamo need a scheme that helps them pour it on. That scheme must begin with a plan to contain M Cristian Roldan. He will attempt a passing attack far exceeding 85%. Plus he has a disrupting defensive game.

Next: Real Salt Lake's Latest Success

Get that containment in place and the Houston Dynamo could start an early march leading deep into the playoffs.

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